Cage nut fastener and methods for tool-less installation of same

ABSTRACT

A cage nut fastener, capable of installation against a frame member without the aid of tools, includes a spring cage and a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage and prevented from rotation therein. The spring cage includes a back wall with a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in a forward direction from a side of the back wall, and a lever arm disposed at a side of the back wall that is opposite the cage arm. The nut includes a nut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wall aperture of the back wall. The lever arm includes an extension portion that extends in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the spring cage. Application of a compression force upon the lever arm, without the aid of tools, manipulates the spring cage to a compressed state that facilitates positioning of a distal end of each of the cage arm and the lever arm through an aperture of a frame member so that, upon release of the compression force, the spring cage and the nut are secured against the frame member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/267,020, filed Dec. 14, 2015 and entitled, “CAGENUT FASTENER AND METHODS FOR TOOL-LESS INSTALLATION OF SAME,” which '020application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to fasteners used in connectionwith electronic equipment racks and cabinets, and, in particular, tocage nut fasteners capable of installation in electronic equipment racksand cabinets without the aid of tools.

Background

A cage nut fastener generally includes a nut disposed within a springcage. The spring cage helps to ensure that the nut remains in a setorientation during installation. FIG. 1A is an orthogonal view of aconventional cage nut fastener 10 illustrating the state of the art. Asshown in FIG. 1A, the spring cage 12 of a conventional cage nut fastenergenerally includes a pair of cage arms 13,14 that, at least partially,wrap around the nut 20. Each cage arm 13,14 includes anoutwardly-extending tab 21,22 at a distal end thereof. The tabs 21,22,which are sometimes characterized as “wings,” may be compressed towardone another so that the tabs can be inserted into an aperture (whichusually, but not always, has a square shape) of corresponding size. Oncepositioned through the aperture and released, the tabs 21,22 spring backto their original, uncompressed position and effectively lock the nut 20in place behind the aperture. A conventional threaded machine screw 11or the like may then be installed through the square opening and intothe nut 20, as shown in FIG. 1B. Within the field of electronicequipment racks and cabinets, cage nut fasteners are often used inconnection with mounting rails and, in particular, to secure electronicequipment and accessories to electronic equipment racks and cabinets.

Conventional cage nut fasteners, such as that described above inconnection with FIGS. 1A and 1B, generally require the use of a separatetool (e.g., a flat head screwdriver or other flat-bladed tool) in orderto snap the spring cage 12 into and out from the square opening. Toattach a conventional cage nut fastener 10, the outwardly-extending tab21 of the first cage arm 13 is positioned, by hand, through the apertureand against an edge thereof. From the other side of the aperture, theflat-bladed tool is then used as a lever to force or compress the secondcage arm 14 inwardly so that the outwardly-extending tab 22 of thesecond cage arm 14 can be pulled through the aperture. Once theoutwardly-extending tab 22 of the second cage arm 14 has been maneuveredfully through the aperture, the tool is disengaged and the second cagearm 14 is permitted to spring back to an uncompressed position. Theoutwardly-extending tabs 21,22 of the cage arms 13,14 push outwardlyagainst the sides of the aperture and lock the cage nut fastener 10against the mounting rail or other equipment component. The nut 20embedded within the spring cage 12 is thus secured in a position toaccommodate a threaded fastener or the like.

When electronic equipment is mounted in a rack or cabinet, there isoften a need to install several cage nut fasteners at various locationswithin the rack or cabinet. Indeed, in the context of a computer servercabinet, hundreds of such fasteners may be required in order tofacilitate installation of necessary equipment and accessories. Notably,when larger quantities of cage nut fasteners are required, the processof installing each fastener with a separate tool can become cumbersomeand time-consuming. Furthermore, removal of such fasteners is equallytedious, imposing an equivalently high burden if equipment is beingrelocated or otherwise uninstalled.

Accordingly, in order to reduce assembly time as well as relocationcosts, a need exists for a cage nut fastener that can be installed moreefficiently in electronic equipment racks and cabinets.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention may overcome one ormore of the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not describedabove, but the present invention is not required to overcome anyparticular disadvantage described above, and some exemplary embodimentsof the present invention may not overcome any of the disadvantagesdescribed above.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect includesa cage nut fastener capable of installation against a frame memberwithout the aid of tools. The cage nut fastener includes a spring cagehaving at least one cage arm and at least one lever arm and furtherincludes a nut retained within the spring cage by the at least one cagearm. The lever arm extends in a rearward direction away from the springcage. Application of a force upon the lever arm manipulates the springcage to a compressed state in order to facilitate clamping installationof the cage nut fastener against the frame member without the aid oftools.

In a feature of this aspect, the lever arm may include first and secondaligned portions that, when squeezed together, maneuver a distal tab ofthe lever arm. In another feature of this aspect, at least one of thefirst and second aligned portions may be curved. In still anotherfeature of this aspect, an outermost of the first and second alignedportions may be curved.

In other features of this aspect, the force may be an inward compressionforce; the at least one cage arm and the at least one lever arm may bedisposed at opposite sides of the spring cage; and/or the at least onelever arm may include a pair of lever arms disposed at opposite sides ofthe spring cage.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut may be a floating nut. Inanother feature of this aspect, the nut may be fixed within the springcage. In still another feature of this aspect, the nut may be integralwith the spring cage.

In another feature of this aspect, the cage nut fastener may be made, atleast in part, from a metal material. In another feature of this aspect,the cage nut fastener may be made, at least in part, from a plasticmaterial. In still another feature of this aspect, the cage nut fastenermay be made using an injection molding process.

In another feature of this aspect, the lever arm may be a separatecomponent attachable to the spring cage.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cage nut fastener capable of installation against a framemember without the aid of tools. The cage nut fastener includes a nut, acage for retaining the nut and a lever arm. The lever arm includes anextension portion, extending in a rearward direction away from the nut,and a hooking portion, disposed in front of the nut. The extensionportion and the hooking portion are disposed at opposite sides of thecage nut fastener. Application of a force upon the lever arm maneuversthe hooking portion to a compressed state in order to facilitateclamping installation of the cage nut fastener against the frame memberwithout the aid of tools.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a method of installing a cage nut fastener against a framemember without the aid of tools. The method includes: providing a cagenut fastener having a spring cage and a nut retained within the springcage by at least one cage arm, wherein the spring cage includes at leastone lever arm extending in a rearward direction away from the springcage; and applying a force upon the lever arm to manipulate the springcage to a compressed state in order to facilitate clamping installationof the cage nut fastener against the frame member without the aid oftools.

In a feature of this aspect, the lever arm may include first and secondaligned portions. In another feature of this aspect, the method mayfurther include squeezing the first and second aligned portions towardone another. In another feature of this aspect, at least one of thefirst and second aligned portions may be curved. In still anotherfeature of this aspect, an outermost of the first and second alignedportions may be curved.

In another feature of this aspect, the method may further include:positioning a distal tab of the at least one cage arm against an edge ofan aperture in the frame member; and while the force is being applied,rotating the cage nut fastener such that a distal tab of the at leastone lever arm extends through the aperture. In another feature of thisaspect, the method may further include releasing the force so that thespring cage returns to an uncompressed state, thereby clamping the cagenut fastener against the frame member.

In features of this aspect, the force may be an inward compressionforce; the at least one cage arm and the at least one lever arm may bedisposed at opposite sides of the spring cage; and/or the at least onelever arm may include a pair of lever arms disposed at opposite sides ofthe spring cage.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cage nut fastener substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cage nut fastener capable of installation against a framemember without the aid of tools, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a method of installing a cage nut fastener against a framemember without the aid of tools, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes cage nut fastener capable of installation against a framemember without the aid of tools. The cage nut fastener includes a springcage and a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage andprevented from rotation therein. The spring cage includes a back wallwith a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in a forwarddirection from a side of the back wall, and a lever arm disposed at aside of the back wall that is opposite the cage arm. The nut includes anut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wallaperture of the back wall. The lever arm includes an extension portionthat extends in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the springcage. Application of a compression force upon the lever arm, without theaid of tools, manipulates the spring cage to a compressed state thatfacilitates positioning of a distal end of each of the cage arm and thelever arm through an aperture of a frame member so that, upon release ofthe compression force, the spring cage and the nut are secured againstthe frame member.

In a feature of this aspect, the lever arm may include outer and inneraligned portions, the outer aligned portion being compressible towardthe inner aligned portion. In another feature of this aspect, the outeraligned portion may be arc-shaped so that the outer aligned portioncurves away from the inner aligned portion.

In other features of this aspect, each of the cage arm and the lever armmay include an outwardly-extending tab at the distal end thereof; and/orthe cage nut fastener may further include one or more additional cagearms extending in a forward direction from one or more additional sidesof the back wall.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut may be a floating nut.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut may be prevented from movingwithin the spring cage.

In other features of this aspect, the nut and the spring cage may eachbe part of a unitary body; the spring cage may be made, at least inpart, from a metal material; and/or the spring cage may be made, atleast in part, from a polymeric material.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cage nut fastener capable of installation against a framemember without the aid of tools. The cage nut fastener includes a springcage a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage andprevented from rotation therein. The spring cage includes a back wallwith a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in a forwarddirection from a side of the back wall, and a pair of lever armsdisposed at opposite sides of the back wall. The nut includes a nutaperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wall apertureof the back wall. Each lever arm includes an extension portion thatextends in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the spring cage.Application of a compression force upon at least one of the pair oflever arms, without the aid of tools, manipulates the spring cage to acompressed state that facilitates positioning of a distal end of each ofthe pair of lever arms through an aperture of a frame member so that,upon release of the compression force, the spring cage and the nut aresecured against the frame member.

In a feature of this aspect, each lever arm may include outer and inneraligned portions. In another feature of this aspect, each outer alignedportion may be compressible toward the respective inner aligned portion.In another feature of this aspect, compression of either outer alignedportion toward the respective inner aligned portion may manipulate thespring cage to the compressed state. In another feature of this aspect,at least one of the outer aligned portions may be arc-shaped to curveaway from the respective inner aligned portion.

In other features of this aspect, each of the pair of lever arms mayinclude an outwardly-extending tab at the distal end thereof; and/or thecage nut fastener may further include one or more additional cage armsextending in a forward direction from one or more additional sides ofthe back wall.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut may be a floating nut.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut may be prevented from movingwithin the spring cage.

In other features of this aspect, the nut and the spring cage may eachbe part of a unitary body; the spring cage may be made, at least inpart, from a metal material; and/or the spring cage may be made, atleast in part, from a polymeric material.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cage nut fastener capable of installation against a framemember without the aid of tools. The cage nut fastener includes a springcage and a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage andprevented from rotation therein. The spring cage that includes a backwall with a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in aforward direction from a side of the back wall, and a lever arm. The nutincludes a nut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with thewall aperture of the back wall. The lever arm includes an extensionportion, arranged at a first side of the spring cage and extending in arearward direction behind the back wall of the spring cage, and thelever arm further includes a hooking portion, passing behind the backwall from the first side of the spring cage to a second side of thespring cage, opposite the first side, and having a distal end thatterminates in front of the nut. Application of a compression force uponthe lever arm, without the aid of tools, manipulates the spring cage toa compressed state that facilitates positioning each of a distal end ofthe cage arm and the distal end of the hooking portion of the lever armthrough an aperture of a frame member so that, upon release of thecompression force, the spring cage and the nut are secured against theframe member.

In a feature of this aspect, the hooking portion of the lever arm mayinclude an outwardly-extending tab at the distal end thereof. In anotherfeature of this aspect, the cage arm may include an outwardly-extendingtab at the distal end thereof that extends in a direction opposite tothe direction of the outwardly-extending tab of the hooking portion ofthe lever arm.

In other features of this aspect, the lever arm may include an aperturetherethrough that is generally aligned with the nut aperture of the nutand the wall aperture of the back wall; the nut may be prevented frommoving within the spring cage; the nut and the spring cage may each bepart of a unitary body; the spring cage may be made, at least in part,from a metal material; and/or the spring cage may be made, at least inpart, from a polymeric material.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a method of installing a cage nut fastener against a framemember without the aid of tools. The method includes: providing a cagenut fastener having a spring cage and a nut prevented from rotationwithin the spring cage, the spring cage including a cage arm and a leverarm, the lever arm including at least a portion that extends in arearward direction behind a back wall of the spring cage; positioning adistal end of the cage arm through an aperture of a frame member so thatthe distal end rests against a side of the aperture; applying acompression force upon the lever arm, without the aid of tools, tomanipulate the spring cage to a compressed state; positioning a distalend of the lever arm through the aperture; and releasing the compressionforce so that the spring cage returns to an uncompressed state, withdistal ends of each of the cage arm and the lever arm pushing againstrespective opposite sides of the aperture, thereby securing the springcage and the nut against the frame member.

In a feature of this aspect, the cage arm and the lever arm may bedisposed at opposite sides of the spring cage.

In another feature of this aspect, each of the cage arm and the leverarm may include an outwardly-extending tab at a distal end thereof. Inanother feature of this aspect, the outwardly-extending tab of the leverarm may be disposed at a side of the spring cage that is offset from theportion of the lever arm that extends behind the back wall thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, the lever arm may include outer andinner aligned portions. In another feature of this aspect, the outeraligned portion may be arc-shaped so that the outer aligned portioncurves away from the inner aligned portion. In another feature of thisaspect, applying a compression force upon the lever arm may includesqueezing the outer aligned portion toward the inner aligned portion.

In another feature of this aspect, positioning the distal end of thelever arm through the aperture may include rotating the spring cageabout an axis.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a method of installing a cage nut fastener against a framemember without the aid of tools. The method includes: providing a cagenut fastener having a spring cage and a nut prevented from rotationwithin the spring cage, the spring cage including a pair of lever armsarranged at opposite sides thereof, each lever arm extending in arearward direction behind a back wall of the spring cage; applying acompression force upon at least one of the pair of lever arms, withoutthe aid of tools, to manipulate the spring cage to a compressed state;positioning a distal end of each of the pair of the lever arms throughan aperture of a frame member; and releasing the compression force sothat the spring cage returns to an uncompressed state, with distal endsof each of the pair of lever arms pushing against respective oppositesides of the aperture, thereby securing the spring cage and the nutagainst the frame member.

In a feature of this aspect, positioning the distal end of each of thepair of the lever arms through the aperture may include positioning thedistal end of a first of the pair of cage arms through the aperturebefore positioning the distal end of a second of the pair of cage armsthrough the aperture. In another feature of this aspect, the method mayfurther include positioning the distal end of the first of the pair oflever arms to rest against a side of the aperture. In another feature ofthis aspect, positioning the distal end of the second of the pair oflever arms through the aperture may include rotating the spring cageabout an axis.

In another feature of this aspect, applying a compression force upon atleast one of the pair of lever arms may include applying a compressionforce upon both lever arms simultaneously.

In another feature of this aspect, each of the pair of lever arms mayinclude outer and inner aligned portions. In another feature of thisaspect, applying a compression force upon at least one of the pair oflever arms may include squeezing the outer aligned portion of at leastone of the pair of lever arms toward the respective inner alignedportion. In another feature of this aspect, the outer aligned portion ofat least one of the pair of lever arms may be arc-shaped to curve awayfrom the respective inner aligned portion.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an orthogonal view of a conventional cage nut fastener thatincludes a nut and a spring cage;

FIG. 1B is an orthogonal view of the cage nut fastener of FIG. 1A, showntogether with a conventional machine screw;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are isometric front and rear views of a cage nutfastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view illustrating installation of the cage nutfastener of FIGS. 2A and 2B on a frame member;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the cage nut fastener and frame member ofFIG. 3, shown after installation is complete;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cage nut fastener of FIGS. 2A and 2Bshown in stalled on the frame member of FIG. 3, together with threealternative cage nut fasteners, each in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, shown installed on the same framemember;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the first alternative cage nut fastenerof FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the second alternative cage nut fastenerof FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the third alternative cage nut fastenerof FIG. 5; and

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a fourth alternative cage nut fastener inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate onlyone or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention andmay further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosedfeatures. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to theUnited States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actuallyused in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision isintended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claimelement. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedentstep, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and thestep to be performed at least once during performance of the claimedmethod.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention are next described. The followingdescription of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplaryin nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, itsapplication, or uses.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are isometric front and rear views of a cage nutfastener 110 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The cage nut fastener 110 of FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a nut120 disposed within a spring cage 112, which retains the nut 120 in aset orientation. The spring cage 112 includes a back wall 118 and aplurality of cage arms 113,115,116, extending from the back wall 118,that retain the nut 120 by wrapping around the sides and at least partof the front thereof. Though the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B depictsthree cage arms 113,115,116, it is contemplated that a cage nut fastenerwithin the scope of the present invention can accommodate more or fewercage arms. Additional flanges 117, extending from sides of one or moreof the cage arms 113,115,116, may also be provided to wrap around thesides of the nut 120 to provide additional retention. The back wall 118of the spring cage 112 includes an aperture 119 therethrough that isaligned with the threaded opening in the nut 120 such that the nut 120and the spring cage 112 are capable of accommodating a fastener 11extending through both.

In a contemplated embodiment, the nut 120 is a floating nut that,although retained within the spring cage 112 and prevented fromrotating, is not fixed to the spring cage 112 and is thus capable of atleast slight movement within the cage 112. In other contemplatedembodiments, the nut 120 is clamped firmly by the cage arms (i.e.,fixed), or is part of a unitary structure that includes the cage, and isthus prevented from movement within, or relative to, the spring cage.

In addition to the plurality of cage arms 113,115,116, the spring cage112 further includes a lever arm 114 disposed at a side thereof. Insteadof simply cradling the nut 120 (like the cage arm of a conventional cagenut fastener, as in FIGS. 1A and 1B), the lever arm 114 first extends ina rearward direction from the back wall 118, away from the nut 120, andthen doubles back upon itself to extend in a forward direction, past theside of the cage 112 and around to the front of the nut 120. In thisregard, the lever arm 114 includes inner and outer portions 123,124 thatare generally aligned with one another, with the outer portion 124 beingdeflectable relative to the inner portion 123. Additionally, in at leastsome contemplated embodiments, the outer portion 124 of the lever arm114 is curved away from the inner portion 123 so as to provideadditional space (i.e., a larger gap) between the portions 123,124. Aswill be explained in greater detail below, the lever arm 114 helps tofacilitate installation of the cage nut fastener 110 on a frame memberor other component without the aid of tools.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lever arm 114 includes anoutwardly-extending tab 122 at a distal end thereof. The cage arm 113that is disposed at a side of the spring cage 112 opposite to that ofthe lever arm 114 likewise includes an outwardly-extending tab 121.Together, the outwardly-extending tabs 121,122 operate to facilitatesecurement of the cage nut fastener 110 to a mounting rail, framemember, or other equipment component.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view illustrating installation of the cage nutfastener 110 of FIGS. 2A and 2B on a frame member 40, and FIG. 4 is anisometric view of the cage nut fastener 110 and frame member 40 of FIG.3, shown after installation is complete. The frame member 40 depicted inFIG. 3 includes a plurality of mounting surfaces 42,43,44,45,46 arrangedorthogonally relative to one another. One or more of the mountingsurfaces 43,46 include apertures 32,34 sized to accommodate a cage nutfastener in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention. Though the apertures 32,34 of the frame member 40 aregenerally square-shaped (with rounded corners), it is contemplated thatapertures may have other shapes as well, including apertures withcircular or rectangular shapes.

To fasten the cage nut fastener 110 to the frame member 40 without theaid of tools, a user can grasp and squeeze the lever arm 114 of thefastener 110 to apply a compression force thereon. As shown in FIG. 3,it is contemplated that a user can apply such a force by squeezing thelever arm 114 between the user's index finger 52 and thumb 54.Application of an inward compression force upon the lever arm 114 (and,particularly, upon the outer portion 124 of the lever arm 114)compresses the outer portion 124 toward the inner portion 123 and,effectively, manipulates the spring cage 112 to a compressed state. Withthe outwardly-extending tab 121 of the cage arm 113 seated against anedge of a selected aperture 32 a, the cage nut fastener 110 (in thecompressed state) can be rotated around an axis 47 such that theoutwardly-extending tab 122 of the lever arm 114 is also positionedthrough the aperture 32 a. With both tabs 121,122 positioned through theselected aperture 32 a of the frame member 40, the inward compressionforce against the lever arm 114 can be released, thereby permitting thespring cage 112 to return to an uncompressed state such that the tabs121,122 push outwardly against the sides of the aperture 32 a. In thismanner, the cage nut fastener 110 becomes clamped or secured against theframe member 40 (as can be seen in FIG. 4).

The lever arm 114 provides the user with a mechanical advantage duringthe installation process. In particular, the lever arm 114 provides auser with enhanced leverage in manipulating the spring cage 112, byhand, in such a way that the tabs 121,122 may be inserted into theselected aperture 32 a of the frame member 40, thereby eliminating theneed for tools during the installation process. It is furthercontemplated that torque applied to the cage nut fastener 110 (such asby rotating the cage nut fastener 110 into the selected aperture 32 a)further simplifies the installation process—particularly when torque isused in combination with a compression force applied to the lever arm114.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cage nut fastener 110 of FIGS. 2A and2B installed on the frame member 40 of FIG. 3, together with threealternative cage nut fasteners 210,310,410, each in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, and shown installed onthe same frame member 40. As shown in FIG. 5, a single frame member 40is capable of accommodating a plurality of cage nut fasteners110,210,310,410, which can be installed and/or arranged in anyconfiguration desired by the user, including installation on differentmounting surfaces 43,46 of the same frame member 40. (It will beappreciated that the cage nut fastener 110 of FIG. 4 is shown installedin a different location on the frame member 40 in FIG. 5.)

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the first alternative cage nut fastener210 of FIG. 5. The cage nut fastener 210 of FIG. 6 is somewhat similarin operation to the cage nut fastener 110 discussed above in connectionwith FIGS. 2-4. The cage nut fastener 210 of FIGS. 2A and 2B includes anut 220 disposed within a spring cage 212, which retains the nut 220 ina set orientation. The spring cage 212 includes a back wall 218 and oneor more cage arms 213 extending from the back wall 218 that retain thenut 120 by wrapping around the sides and at least a portion of the frontthereof. Additional flanges 217, extending from the back wall 218 orfrom sides of the one or more cage arms 213, may also be provided aroundthe sides of the nut 120 to provide additional retention. The one ormore cage arms 213 may each have an outwardly-extending tab 221 at adistal end thereof. The back wall 218 of the spring cage 212 includes anaperture (not illustrated) therethrough that is aligned with thethreaded opening in the nut 220 such that the nut 220 and the springcage 212 are capable of accommodating a fastener extending through both.

In addition to the one or more cage arms 213, the spring cage 212further includes a lever arm 214 disposed at a side thereof thatprovides a mechanical advantage to facilitate installation of thefastener without the aid of tools. The lever arm 214 first extends in arearward direction from the back wall 218, away from the nut 220, andthen doubles back upon itself to extend in a forward direction towardthe back wall 218. Unlike the cage nut fastener 110 of FIGS. 2-4, thelever arm 214 then extends from one side of the spring cage 212 to theother, behind the back wall 218 thereof, and then around the oppositeside of the nut 220, before terminating in an outwardly-extending tab222 at a distal end. In this regard, the portion of the lever arm 214that extends away from the nut 220 is disposed at the same side of thespring cage 212 as at least one of the one or more cage arms 213 (i.e.,at a fixed end of the spring cage 212), which is also the side of thespring cage 212 that is opposite of, or offset from, theoutwardly-extending tab 222. This configuration of the lever arm 214results in the outwardly-extending tabs 221,222 of the spring cage 212extending in opposite directions from one another (as depicted in FIG.6).

Furthermore, because the lever arm 214 extends rearwardly behind theback wall 218 of the spring cage 212 and passes behind it, the lever arm214 includes an aperture 225 that is aligned with the aperture throughthe back wall 218 of the spring cage 212. In this regard, the lever arm214 (and, in particular, the portion of the lever arm 214 that passesbehind the back wall 218) is likewise capable of accommodating afastener extending through the nut 220 and the back wall 218 of thespring cage 212. Additionally, to avoid interference with such afastener, the lever arm 214 can include a curved surface 227 along therearwardly-extending portion thereof, adjacent to where a fastener wouldpass through the aperture 225.

The cage nut fastener 210 of FIG. 6 can be installed against a framemember 40 in a manner similar to that of the cage nut fastener 110 ofFIGS. 2-4, without the aid of tools. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,the outwardly-extending tab 221 of the fixed end of the spring cage 212can be seated against an edge of a selected aperture 32 b of the framemember 40, and the spring cage 212 can be compressed by application ofan inward compression force against the lever arm 214. With the springcage 212 in a compressed state, the cage nut fastener 210 can be rotatedso that the outwardly-extending tab 222 of the lever arm 214 is alsopositioned through the aperture 32 b. With both tabs 221,222 positionedthrough the selected aperture 32 b of the frame member 40, the inwardcompression force against the lever arm 214 can be released, therebypermitting the spring cage 212 to return to an uncompressed state suchthat the tabs 221,222 push outwardly against the sides of the aperture32 b. In this manner, the cage nut fastener 210 becomes clamped orsecured against the frame member 40 (as can be seen in FIG. 5).

As with the cage nut fastener 110 discussed above in connection withFIGS. 2-4, the lever arm 214 of the cage nut fastener 210 provides theuser with a mechanical advantage during the installation process. Inparticular, the lever arm 214 provides a user with enhanced leverage inmanipulating the spring cage 212, by hand, in such a way that the tabs221,222 may be inserted into the selected aperture 32 b of the framemember 40, thereby eliminating the need for tools during theinstallation process. It is further contemplated that torque applied tothe cage nut fastener 210 (such as by rotating the cage nut fastener 210into the selected aperture 32 b) further simplifies the installationprocess—particularly when torque is used in combination with acompression force applied to the lever arm 214.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the second alternative cage nut fastener310 of FIG. 5. The cage nut fastener 310 of FIG. 7 is somewhat similarin form and in operation to the cage nut fastener 110 discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 2-4, but with a pair of lever arms 313,314(instead of a single lever arm) disposed at opposite sides of a springcage 312. The cage nut fastener 310 of FIG. 7 includes a nut 320disposed within the spring cage 312, which retains the nut 320 in a setorientation. The spring cage 312 includes a back wall 318 and aplurality of cage arms 315,316, extending from the back wall 318, thatretain the nut 320 by wrapping around the sides and at least part of thefront thereof. Though the embodiment of FIG. 7 depicts two cage arms315,316, it is contemplated that a cage nut fastener within the scope ofthe present invention can accommodate more or fewer cage arms.Additional flanges 317, extending from sides of one or more of the cagearms 315,316, may also be provided to wrap around the sides of the nut320 to provide additional retention. The back wall 318 of the springcage 312 includes an aperture (not illustrated) therethrough that isaligned with the threaded opening in the nut 320 such that the nut 320and the spring cage 312 are capable of accommodating a fastenerextending through both.

In a contemplated embodiment, the nut 320 is a floating nut that,although retained within the spring cage 312 and prevented fromrotating, is not fixed to the spring cage 312 and is thus capable of atleast slight movement within the cage 312. In other contemplatedembodiments, the nut 320 is clamped firmly by the cage arms (i.e.,fixed), or is part of a unitary structure that includes the cage, and isthus prevented from movement within, or relative to, the spring cage.

Each lever arm 313,314 has an inner portion 333,335 fixed to, andextending in a rearward direction from, the back wall 318 of the springcage 312, and an outer portion 334,336 that doubles back on therespective inner portion 333,335 and extends around a respective side ofthe nut 320 to a front thereof. In this regard, the inner and outerportions of each lever arm 313,314 are generally aligned with oneanother, with each outer portion 334,336 being deflectable relative tothe respective inner portion 333,335. Additionally, in at least somecontemplated embodiments, the outer portion 334,336 of each lever arm313,314 is curved away from the respective inner portion 333,335 so asto provide additional space (i.e., a larger gap) between the portions.Each lever arm 313,314 further includes an outwardly-extending tab321,322 at a distal end thereof. The outwardly-extending tabs 321,322extend in opposite directions from one another and, together, operate tofacilitate securement of the cage nut fastener 310 to a mounting rail,frame member, or other equipment component without the aid of tools.

The cage nut fastener 310 of FIG. 7 can be installed against a framemember 40 in a manner similar to that of the cage nut fastener 110 ofFIGS. 2-4, without the aid of tools. It is contemplated that a user canapply an inward compression force upon the lever arms 313,314 (and,particularly, upon the outer portions 334,336 of the lever arms313,314). Application of an inward compression force upon the lever arms313,314 compresses the outer portions 334,336 toward the respectiveinner portions 333,335 and, effectively, manipulates the spring cage 312to a compressed state. In this compressed state, and with reference toFIGS. 5 and 7, the outwardly-extending tabs 321,322 of the lever arms313,314 can be positioned through a selected aperture 32 c of the framemember 40. Then, the inward compression force against the lever arms313,314 can be released, thereby permitting the spring cage 312 toreturn to an uncompressed state such that the tabs 321,322 pushoutwardly against the sides of the aperture 32 c. In this manner, thecage nut fastener 310 becomes clamped or secured against the framemember 40 (as can be seen in FIG. 5).

In another contemplated method of installation, the cage nut fastener310 (in the compressed state) can be rotated into the clamped positionagainst the frame member 40. In accordance with this contemplatedmethod, one of the two outwardly-extending tabs 321,322 is seatedagainst an edge of a selected aperture 32 c, and the cage nut fastener310 is then rotated around an axis so that the other of the twooutwardly-extending tab is also positioned through the aperture 32 c.With both tabs 321,322 positioned through the selected aperture 32 c ofthe frame member 40, the inward compression force against the lever arms313,314 can be released, thereby permitting the spring cage 312 toreturn to an uncompressed state such that the tabs 321,322 pushoutwardly against the sides of the aperture 32 c. In this manner, thecage nut fastener 310 thereby becomes effectively clamped or securedagainst the frame member 40 (as can be seen in FIG. 5).

As with the cage nut fastener 110 discussed above in connection withFIGS. 2-4, the lever arms 313,314 of the cage nut fastener 310 providethe user with a mechanical advantage during the installation process. Inparticular, the lever arms 313,314 provide a user with enhanced leveragein manipulating the spring cage 312, by hand, in such a way that thetabs 321,322 may be inserted into the selected aperture 32 c of theframe member 40, thereby eliminating the need for tools during theinstallation process. It is further contemplated that torque applied tothe cage nut fastener 310 (such as by rotating the cage nut fastener 310into the selected aperture 32 c) further simplifies the installationprocess—particularly when torque is used in combination with acompression force applied to the lever arms 313,314.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the third alternative cage nut fastener410 of FIG. 5; and FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a fourth alternativecage nut fastener 510 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut fasteners 410,510 of FIGS. 8 and 9 aresomewhat similar in form and in operation to the cage nut fastener 110discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2-4, but with modified leverarms 414,514 that may provide an enhanced mechanical advantage duringthe installation process. In particular, the lever arm 414 of the cagenut fastener 410 shown in FIG. 8 is longer than that of the cage nutfastener of FIGS. 2-4, and the lever arm 514 of the cage nut fastener510 of FIG. 9 has an outer portion 524 with even greater curvature thanthat of the cage nut fastener 110 of FIGS. 2-4. Increased length and/orenhanced curvature for the lever arm may assist, for example, inenabling a user to grasp a lever arm and/or apply greater compressiveforce to the lever arm.

It is contemplated that a cage nut fastener in accordance with one ormore preferred embodiments of the present invention can be manufacturedfrom any of a wide range of different materials. In one contemplatedembodiment, the cage nut fastener, or at least portions thereof, is madefrom a sheet metal. In another contemplated embodiment, the cage nutfastener, or at least portions thereof, is made from a polymericmaterial. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a cage nut fastener inaccordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention can be made via an injection molding process.

Though the foregoing discussion and the accompanying drawings discussinstallation of one or more cage nut fasteners to a conventional framemember, it is contemplated that a cage nut fastener in accordance withone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention can beinstalled on any of a wide range of different structures, includingpanels, rails, equipment, and the like.

It is contemplated that the parameters of the cage nut fastener can varywhile remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example,it is contemplated that the size, shape and/or length of the lever armcan be varied across different embodiments. Additionally, it iscontemplated that the size and/or shape of the nut and the cage forretaining the nut can vary to accommodate different types of threadedfasteners. It is also contemplated that the cage and/or the lever armcan be made from multiple parts that are assembled together to form afunctioning cage nut fastener in accordance with one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention. Still further, it is contemplatedthat multiple cage nut fasteners in accordance with one or morepreferred embodiments of the present invention can be joined together,either permanently or with the ability to be separated. In this latterrespect, a multiple cage nut fastener structure can include two or morecage nuts joined together in a single assembly that can be installedagainst a structure having apertures corresponding with each cage nut.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cage nut fastener capable of installationagainst a frame member without the aid of tools, the cage nut fastenercomprising: a spring cage that includes: a back wall with a wallaperture therethrough; a cage arm extending in a forward direction froma side of the back wall; and a lever arm; and a nut retained within aspace defined by the spring cage, and prevented from rotation therein,the nut including a nut aperture therethrough that is generally alignedwith the wall aperture of the back wall; wherein the lever arm includesan extension portion, arranged at a first side of the spring cage andextending in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the springcage, and a hooking portion, passing behind the back wall from the firstside of the spring cage to a second side of the spring cage, oppositethe first side, and having a distal end that terminates in front of thenut; and wherein application of a compression force upon the lever arm,without the aid of tools, manipulates the spring cage to a compressedstate that facilitates positioning each of a distal end of the cage armand the distal end of the hooking portion of the lever arm through anaperture of a frame member so that, upon release of the compressionforce, the spring cage and the nut are secured against the frame member.2. The cage nut fastener of claim 1, wherein the hooking portion of thelever arm includes an outwardly-extending tab at the distal end thereof.3. The cage nut fastener of claim 2, wherein the cage arm includes anoutwardly-extending tab at the distal end thereof that extends in adirection opposite to the direction of the outwardly-extending tab ofthe hooking portion of the lever arm.
 4. The cage nut fastener of claim1, wherein the lever arm includes an aperture therethrough that isgenerally aligned with the nut aperture of the nut and the wall apertureof the back wall.
 5. The cage nut fastener of claim 1, wherein the nutis prevented from moving within the spring cage.
 6. The cage nutfastener of claim 1, wherein the lever arm includes an inwardly-curvedsurface arranged along a length of the extension portion to provide anunobstructed path for securement of a separate fastener.
 7. The cage nutfastener of claim 1, wherein the spring cage is made, at least in part,from a metal material.
 8. The cage nut fastener of claim 1, wherein thespring cage is made, at least in part, from a polymeric material.
 9. Acage nut fastener capable of installation against a frame member withoutthe aid of tools, the cage nut fastener comprising: a nut; and a springcage that includes a back wall with a wall aperture therethrough, a cagearm extending in a forward direction from a side of the back wall andterminating with an outwardly-extending cage arm tab, and a lever arm;wherein the nut is retained within a space defined by the spring cageand is prevented from rotation therein, and wherein the nut includes anut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wallaperture; wherein the lever arm includes an extension portion, arrangedat a first side of the spring cage and extending in a rearward directionbehind the back wall of the spring cage, and a hooking portion, passingbehind the back wall from the first side of the spring cage to a secondside of the spring cage, opposite the first side, and terminating with alever arm tab that extends outwardly at a front of the nut in adirection that is opposite to that of the cage arm tab, the lever armfurther including a lever arm aperture therethrough that is generallyaligned with the nut aperture and the wall aperture; and whereinapplication of a compression force upon the lever arm, without the aidof tools, manipulates the spring cage to a compressed state thatfacilitates positioning each of the cage arm tab and the lever arm tabthrough an aperture of a frame member so that, upon release of thecompression force, the spring cage and the nut are secured against theframe member.
 10. The cage nut fastener of claim 9, wherein the nut isprevented from moving within the spring cage.
 11. The cage nut fastenerof claim 9, wherein the lever arm includes an inwardly-curved surfacearranged along a length of the extension portion to provide anunobstructed path for securement of a separate fastener.
 12. The cagenut fastener of claim 9, wherein the spring cage is made, at least inpart, from a metal material.
 13. The cage nut fastener of claim 9,wherein the spring cage is made, at least in part, from a polymericmaterial.